Leading organisations focused on homelessness have voiced serious concerns regarding how homeless asylum seekers are treated by the government, reports RTE.
Depaul Ireland, Crosscare, Focus Ireland, and Dublin Simon have urged for better coordination among government departments to guarantee decent accommodation is provided.
Homeless organizations reported that they sought clarification from the government several months ago about the arrangements that would be made during the winter for those seeking international protection who have been found sleeping outdoors, reports RTE.
Approximately 3,000 asylum seekers have not been offered temporary housing, despite the legal requirement for the State to do so.
“This shortcoming, which was reinforced by a High Court ruling delivered in August, addresses the rights of international protection applicants to have their essential needs, including housing, met by the State,” stated the organizations, reports RTE.
While the groups recognized the strains on the system, they insisted that there can be “no acceptance of the failure to provide shelter for any individual, irrespective of nationality, gender, or status.”
The organizations observed that it is unlikely a new government will be established until the New Year, but emphasized the necessity for “immediate collective action” by the current government to ensure that shelter is provided to everyone in need during the Christmas season, New Year, and throughout the winter storms.
They have also called for a unified government response, as the accommodation services for international protection cannot handle the magnitude of the situation alone, reports RTE.
The statement further noted that allowing individuals to sleep outdoors in cold, wet, and degrading conditions for any reason should not become normalized.
“The homeless sector is prepared and willing to engage practically to support the State, to ensure we can improve as a country,” the organizations concluded, reports RTE.
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